Netanyahu to address U.N. as Israel faces growing isolation over its assault on Gaza
Share and Follow

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make his case to the world on Friday, addressing an international community from which his country faces mounting pressure and isolation over its devastating assault on Gaza.

Netanyahu took an unusual route to his annual speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, his flight path appearing to avoid countries that could enforce an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

He is also expected to meet with President Donald Trump, who on Thursday said he would not allow the close U.S. ally to annex the already occupied West Bank in retaliation for the wave of countries that have recognized a Palestinian state.

Palestinians continue to flee southern Gaza due to Israeli attacks
Palestinians flee south on Thursday, amid Israel’s intensified attacks on the Gaza Strip.Ali Jadallah / Anadolu via Getty Images

Netanyahu said he planned to “speak our truth — the truth about the citizens of Israel, the truth about our IDF soldiers and the truth about our country,” The Times of Israel reported.

He said he also planned to “denounce” the growing list of Western countries that have officially recognized Palestine as a state in response to his intensifying military campaign.

Israeli forces have ramped up their assault on famine-stricken Gaza City, forcing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people while others stay put under near-daily deadly strikes.

TOPSHOT-ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN-CONFLICT
Israeli soldiers work on a self-propelled artillery Howitzer at the border with Gaza.Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images
TOPSHOT-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-EDUCATION-SCHOOL
An Israeli soldier watches as Palestinian schoolgirls make their way to school in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, on Sept. 8.Hazek Bader / AFP via Getty Images

It also comes after Trump issued a firm warning that he would not allow the Israeli leader’s government to annex the West Bank if it tried to push ahead with a plan that would draw new global outrage.

“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters, having earlier privately assured Arab leaders on the subject.

Asked whether he had discussed the issue with Netanyahu, Trump said, “Whether I spoke to him or not, I did, but I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank.”

“There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” he said.

Trump issued the rare admonishment after far-right members of Netanyahu’s fragile government coalition called for the move.

Palestinians envision the West Bank as a key territory for an internationally recognized Palestinian state, alongside Gaza and east Jerusalem. Annexation of the territory, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967, would further imperil that cause.

Trump also presented his 21-point plan for peace to Arab leaders, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff saying the meeting was “productive” and that a breakthrough could be imminent.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was also among the leaders to address UNGA, though he was forced to deliver his address by video after the U.S. last month revoked his visa, along with those of other Palestinian Authority officials.

Israel's attacks on Gaza continue
Palestinians recover the body of a child under the rubble, following Israel’s attacks on the Shati Refugee Camp, west of Gaza City on Friday.Khames Alrefi / Anadolu via Getty Images

In his video address, Abbas said Palestinians in Gaza “have been facing a war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” by Israel, adding that “despite all what our people have suffered, we reject what Hamas carried out on the 7th of October.”

Abbas said Hamas would have “no role to play in governance” in the future he envisioned for Gaza.

That future is at stake in peace talks, and Netanyahu will address world leaders while under pressure not just from his closest ally and his ministers but from the families of hostages still held in Gaza.

The Israeli leader has thus far defied their protests calling for him to strike a deal to end the war and free their loved ones.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Virginia nanny’s jailhouse letters reveal conflicting loyalties in love triangle murder trial

Virginia Nanny’s Shocking Tale: Dentist Murder Charges and Barry Morphew’s Plea Featured in Fox News True Crime Newsletter

Brendan Banfield observed the proceedings at his double murder trial held in…
Florida teens buried alive in deadly sand tunnel collapse

Tragic Sand Tunnel Collapse Claims Lives of Florida Teens

A Florida community is grappling with the tragic loss of two teenage…
Cat caught on camera starting dangerous kitchen fire after jumping on stove and turning on burner

Surveillance Footage Captures Cat Accidentally Igniting Kitchen Fire by Activating Stove Burner

A feline in Dallas County, Texas, inadvertently sparked a kitchen fire earlier…
Key accuser in Alexander brothers rape case dies just one week before federal trial begins: report

Lead Witness in Alexander Brothers’ Federal Trial Passes Away Days Before Court Date: Report

The woman who initially accused Oren and Alon Alexander of rape, a…
Anti-ICE threat spray-painted on vehicle believed to be used by federal officers during Minneapolis unrest

Vandalism Targets Vehicle Linked to Federal Officers Amid Minneapolis Tensions

In Minneapolis, demonstrators took to vandalism, leaving a vehicle, thought to belong…
Moon to get first lunar hotel by 2032 with stays starting at £7.5M

Luxury Lunar Hotel Set to Welcome Guests by 2032 with Stays from £7.5 Million

For those seeking an escape beyond the ordinary, a luxury hotel nestled…
FILE - Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, Pool, File)

Suspect in Charlie Kirk Case Requests Judge to Remove Prosecutors

In Salt Lake City, a significant legal battle is unfolding as Tyler…
Renee Good suffered FOUR gunshot wounds

Survivor’s Tale: The Remarkable Journey of Renee Good After Surviving Four Gunshot Wounds

Renee Nicole Good was discovered with four gunshot wounds and blood coming…